evilhorseofdoom You just aint right.
Rachel Alexandria is a horse that can not only impact a breed with her offspring but a sport as well. Her popularity gained racing a new audience and renewed interest.
Her foals that reach the track can do the same thing. Shalom

I really don't get it. There are lots of horses out there that are nothing but money pits. Their owners simply have them because they love them. Maybe they ride for pleasure or maybe the horse is just a lawn ornament.

So if a big-name race horse can no longer breed, that's too bad, but why do we then deem them worthless? Only fit for an auction or meat? Honestly?

I would think (hope?) Rachel Alexandra has earned her retirement if she can no longer be a broodmare. Surely her owners love her or would get her to a home that appreciates her? Even as a pasture pet.....right? Who wouldn't love to have Rachel Alexandra in their barn?

So if a lowly grade horse or pleasure horse can be a money pit and have a great home, why do we think famous racehorses are worthless if they can no longer race or breed. Doesn't anyone love horses just for the sake of loving horses anymore?

Unfortunately lots of "lower end" horses fall through the cracks. And occasionally a famous one like Ferdinand. But why do we not think successful racehorses have earned a retirement or second career as a pleasure horse after racing? Why must they continue to be money makers forever or be deemed worthless? They have done more to earn their keep that just about any other segment of the horse population.

evilhorseofdoom You just aint right.
Rachel Alexandria is a horse that can not only impact a breed with her offspring but a sport as well. Her popularity gained racing a new audience and renewed interest.
Her foals that reach the track can do the same thing. Shalom

Hopefully even if she can't breed she could go to one of those retirement farms for champion racehorses. We have one here (mostly filled with geldings) called Living Legends - people can visit them and buy memorabilia and stuff.

Her value is based on what she can produce.
She can have a retirement no one has said she couldnt. If it is possible for this mare to carry a foal her value is greatly increased. Anyone owning a share of this mare would desire a return of their investment Millons of dollars probably.
If not then what is she worth?
Allow me to inform you that I have 28 horses. Most are over 18 YO and some in their mid 20's to early 30's.
We are not discussing a horse only worth hundred or even thousands of $. that des not even speak of the interest her foals that are sold or reach the track would recieve. Millions of dollars are at stake and the continutity and success of the owners breeding program.
The profit made from this mare and her foals would ensure the breeding program of the owners for years. Breeding horses is a business and an expensive one.
Once again we are not discussing an average horse here. she is a well bred talented mare that can command a breeding by any of the sires of the TB industry . Her importance as a broodmare is great not only to the TB but to the sport of racing. Shalom

If she is insured and probably is then the insurance company may have the final say in when and if she is bred again. The vet says she can carry a foal the insurance company might demand that she be bred before paying out any claims.
I am a breeder and there are mares here that i am attached to. Yet if they cannot contribute to this breeding program or do not produce good foals they have to go. Horses are expensive and time consuming. Shalom

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